Puzzle



W. H. BAGKUS. PUZZLE.

(No Model.)

i 1 No. 5 0,ss9. Patented Apr. 20, 1897.

WITNESSES: [NI/Eh T08 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

\VILLIAM HENRY BACKUS, OF DANIELSON, CONNECTICUT.

PUZZLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 580,839, dated April 20, 1897.

Application filed n y 30, 1896. Serial No. 577,364. .(No model.)

To all whom. it may concern.-

Be it known that I, WILLIAM HENRY BACKUS, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Danielson, in the county of Windham and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Puzzles, of which the following is a specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part thereof, in which similar letters of reference indicate cor responding parts.

This invention relates to puzzles and game devices; and the object thereof is to provide an improved device of this class, which is simple in construction, but the solution of which is difficult, but may be accomplished by the exercise of care, skill, and judgment in the manipulation thereof.

The invention is fully disclosed in the following specification, of which the accompanying drawings form a part, in which Figure l is a side view of my improved puzzle or game device; Fig. 2, aplan view thereof, and Fig. 3 a transverse section.

In the practice of my invention I provide a platform A, which is pivotally supported at each end by standards B, which are connected near the bottom by a cross bar or rod 19, and in practice the platform A is so adjusted as to be exactly balanced on its pivotal end connections. I also provide a lock consisting of a bolt C, which passes through a keeper D, secured to the bottom of the table and is adapted to be inserted into the adjacent standard B, as shown at E, the object of this device being to lock the platform in position and prevent the movement thereof on its pivots when desired.

In connection with the platform A, I employ a plurality of small disks F, which are exactly alike in form, but which are composed of different materials and are of difierent Weights, and the solution of the puzzle consists in arranging these disks on the platform so that when the bolt C is withdrawn from connection with the end standard B the platform will remain exactly balanced on its pivotal support. This solution is exceedingly difficult, because 'of the fact that the disks F are all of different weights and if the device is employed as a puzzle simply the solution.

will be as above stated, but if it is employed as a game device then two or more parties will participate in the game, and the party or parties toward whom the platform tilts will be regarded as winning the game. It will be understood, of course, that any desired number of these disks maybe employed, and that each side of the platform is to have an equal number placed thereon, and it is evident that changes in the construction herein described may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention or sacrificing its advantages. I also contemplate employing a ball or other body G, which is suspended from the center of the platform by a rod or rigid device and which is intended to assist in holding the platform in a perfectly level position on its pivotalsupports before the disks F are placed thereon, but this device is not essential and may be omitted, if desired.

Having fully described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. In a puzzle or game device the combination with a frame having a platform pivotally supported therein, of a counterbalance adapted to limit the free oscillation of said platform and a plurality of bodies identical in form and difiering in weight adapted to be moved over the surface of said platform, substantially as described.

2. In a puzzle or game device the combination with a frame having a platform pivotally supported therein, of a depending weight rigidly connected with the platform between its points of support and adapted to prevent excessive oscillation of the platform, a plurality of bodies identical in form and differing in weight adapted to be moved over the surface of the platform to shift the center of gravity of the latter and a lock adapted to hold the platform rigid during the manipulation of the bodies.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my invention I have signed my name, in presence of the subscribing witnesses, this 22d day of January, 1896.

. IVM. HENRY BACKUS.

Witnesses:

CHAS. P. BACKUS, Louis G. MAssIco'rrE. 

